Miami players Erik Swoope, rear, and Shane Larkin try to steal the ball away from Minnesota’s Andre Hollins, center, during the second half of the second round of the NIT tournament NCAA college basketball game in Coral Gables, Fla., Monday, March 19, 2012. Minnesota won 78-60. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

NEW YORK – Two years ago, Tubby Smith ran into Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins at one of Andre Hollins’ high school games. At the time, the Gophers coach jokes, Smith wanted to “throw him under the bus” to keep him from landing Hollins.

“I’m glad we got him and Stanford didn’t,” Smith said. “It’s interesting that we’re playing against a team that was probably runner-up to (getting him) in recruiting.”

Smith was speaking Wednesday, March 28, at a news conference at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square, a day before the Gophers and Stanford play for the NIT championship at Madison Square Garden.

The freshman point guard has been the catalyst for the Gophers’ run. Hollins had 20 points and five assists in Tuesday’s 68-67 overtime win over Washington in the semifinals.

In high school, Hollins was a three-star shooting guard at Memphis White Station and Tennessee’s big-class Mr. Basketball. He led his team in scoring with 23.5 points a game as a senior.

In 2010, Hollins was blown away during an official visit to Stanford’s campus with his father, Andrew. Almost two weeks later, Dawkins received an oral commitment from Chasson Randle, a four-star prospect from Illinois. Three days later, Hollins decided to play at Minnesota.

Dawkins said he “loves” Randle, who leads the Cardinal in scoring with 14 points a game this season. Hollins, who averages eight points for the Gophers, needed more time to grow, Dawkins said.

“But I believe I saw what we’re all seeing now (in Hollins),” Dawkins added. “(He’s) a terrific young player – very intelligent, excellent shooter and an amazing competitor. He wants to get after you. He wants to win. I think he imposes his will on the game. I think that’s starting to emerge as you see him growing up right before our eyes.”

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